HispanicBusiness

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was released today by the Democratic National Committee:

Rudy Giuliani is in California today to accept the endorsement of former California Governor Pete Wilson, a move that should come as no surprise to anyone given Rudy's long history of divisive leadership. Wilson is probably best known for his divisive tactics like promoting Proposition 187 and Proposition 209 to "restrict benefits to illegal immigrants and to end affirmative action," strategies that have hurt the Republican Party in California for more than a decade. As one Republican pollster said, "California suffered since the mid-1990s" because of the fight over Proposition 187. Hispanic Republicans went so far as to urge President Bush not to campaign with Wilson in 2000. [Newsday, 9/27/07; Dallas Morning News, 9/24/07; Washington Post, 9/26/07]

Wilson's endorsement comes on the same day that Rudy and the rest of the GOP frontrunners turned down an opportunity to discuss issues of particular importance to minority voters during a PBS forum at the Historically Black Morgan State University. And earlier this month a Republican Univision forum focusing on issues important to the Hispanic community was "cancelled after every candidate except John McCain cited scheduling conflicts." [ABC News, 9/9/07] Republican leaders have called these moves "stupid," "fundamentally wrong," and believe it may incite "a backlash that could further erode the party's standing with black and Latino voters." [ABC News, 9/25/07; Washington Post, 9/19/07]

These blatant snubs and the Wilson endorsement just confirm Giuliani will continue his brand of divisive leadership that dates back to his days as mayor of New York City. From demeaning his school chancellor to making derogatory statements about a former mayor to refusing to meet with the city's African American elected officials while mayor, Rudy has a long history of lashing out and refusing to talk to people he disagrees with.

"When it comes to divisive leadership, Rudy Giuliani and Pete Wilson are two peas in a pod," said DNC Press Secretary Stacie Paxton. "Giuliani just doesn't get that Americans are looking for a president who will bring people together, not tear them apart. Rudy can try to hide, but the American people know the truth: a vote for him is a vote for four more years of the divisiveness they've endured with President Bush."

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